Waking Life (2001)

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Richard Linklater returned to the semi-improvised approach and philosophical themes of his debut feature Slacker while embracing a new and groundbreaking visual technology in his sixth feature film, Waking Life. Linklater and cameraman Tommy Pallotta shot the film on location in Austin, TX, using digital video equipment. Linklater and digital animator Bob Sabiston then used newly developed computer software to transform the images through a process called "interpolated rotoscoping"; the result merges the naturalism of live action with a stylized look that resembles a cartoon or a painting in motion. Waking Life's flexible, non-narrative approach follows a young man (Wiley Wiggins) who arrives in Austin and hitches a ride with a stranger, who engages him in a conversation about rarely considered facets of existentialism. As the visitor drifts through the city, he encounters a variety of people and finds himself absorbing their views on art, philosophy, society, and numerous other issues of contemporary life. Linklater's cast is dotted with well-known actors (Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg, Nicky Katt) and pop-culture notables (filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, Martin Scorsese associate Steven Prince, comic Louis Black), alongside a large number of relatively little-known players. Waking Life received its world premiere at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival; Linklater's next film, Tape, was also screened at the same festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

100 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Richard Linklater

Writer(s):

Richard Linklater

Producer(s):

Palmer West, Jonah Smith, Anne Walker-McBay

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Not For Children, Adult Language, Mild Violence)

Closed Captioning:

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Subtitles:

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• 2001 - Waking Life - National Society of Film Critics - Best Experimental Film
• 2001 - Waking Life - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Animated Feature
• 2001 - Waking Life - Venice International Film Festival - CinemAvvenire Award for Best Film in Competition
• 2001 - Waking Life - Venice International Film Festival - Special Mention